Punish Yourself? by David Schauer

Sep 19, 2018

Puns are a serious thing. Being creative and figurative with language is nothing new and because it has quite literally been around for hundreds of years, we should take the technique seriously. Puns aren’t just thrown into writing for a fun effect, although they do have that benefit. But rather, they add complexity and depth to both the text as well as the writer. A reader comes across an interesting pun, if they even recognize it, and are immediately hit with double-meanings (or more) and are rushed with a subtle and deeper meaning. Used well, the puns help the writer look like a maestro, giving the reader a more fulfilling reading and understanding experience, while adding a sense of humor and wit. Pretty complex stuff. From Shakespeare to Lincoln, prominent writers have used puns to their advantage, strengthening and adding to their writing with minimal effort, but convoluted thought, all in a tightly-wrapped joke. Don’t be afraid to use puns in your work, but use them sparingly. Too much and the writer will start to look like a comedian who is bombing on stage. Instead, use them with caution, with purpose. Use them to add to your work, not weigh it down. Puns should elevate the humor, discussion, and thoughts of your work. Use humor seriously.